1994 Road King
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 2
From: somewhere
RE: 1994 Road King
This is the 1st year of the RK bikes.
Evo engine
Seems like i remember somenting about having to rebuild the valves/cam (memory is failing) on the early model RKs. Might want to see if that has been done.
Evo engine
Seems like i remember somenting about having to rebuild the valves/cam (memory is failing) on the early model RKs. Might want to see if that has been done.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: 1994 Road King
That year EVO had a caged roller cam bearing that often failed. Most people replaced it with a Torrington solid roller bearing and upgraded the cam at the same time. Andrews EV 13 cam is a good choice and only about 150.00.
There was nothing at all wrong with the '94 Roadkings. Even though it was a first year model, it was based on the proven touring frame, and proven EVO engine.
Bill
There was nothing at all wrong with the '94 Roadkings. Even though it was a first year model, it was based on the proven touring frame, and proven EVO engine.
Bill
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 226
RE: 1994 Road King
By 94, the case issues had been addressed and most upgrades sorted out. As posted above, swap the INA cam bearing out for a Torrington and while your there upgrade the Cam.
If you have never owned an EVO before, here is some .02. They are like big aluminum sandwiches held together with steel bolts. So, they like to warm up before you get on the throttle. Once they are hot, they will run great all day, but starting them up cold and wacking on the throttle will only lead to leaking base, head and rocker cover gaskets.
94's are easy to get parts for still from the moco and the aftermarket, there is nothing i can't get for my '89, so a 94 is just as easy.
If you have never owned an EVO before, here is some .02. They are like big aluminum sandwiches held together with steel bolts. So, they like to warm up before you get on the throttle. Once they are hot, they will run great all day, but starting them up cold and wacking on the throttle will only lead to leaking base, head and rocker cover gaskets.
94's are easy to get parts for still from the moco and the aftermarket, there is nothing i can't get for my '89, so a 94 is just as easy.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,204
Likes: 1,192
From: Anywhere we stop
Great bikes....as others have said the cam bearing and I would change the lifters too. As for parts you can make most any 98+ parts fit the earlier frames with a little work. I had a bunch of 06 stuff on my 89.
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Stage II
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Stage II
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Best HD
Unbiased you'd have to go with swingarm pan. Knuckles had inherent probs you can't gloss over. I love riding a rigid frame scooter but a personal preference many might not share. A late model pan gets you the brand best improvements since it's inception. Everything is downhill starting w/the shovel. Fast enough to stay w/anything late model , reliable, comfortable and the safest for amateur riders to date.
Swingarm...Electric Start...Carb V-Twin that oiled all moving parts and lasted years...Low maint.
Cons: Mech. Brakes
Swingarm...Electric Start...Carb V-Twin that oiled all moving parts and lasted years...Low maint.
Cons: Mech. Brakes
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 463
From: On a Lake, not far from the Gulf
94 RK is a great bike. Others on here have mentioned the cam bearing, base and rocker cover gaskets, and lifters need to be done at about 50,000 miles. That motor is good for 100,000 miles plus. Stop into the EVO sub forum if you have any other questions:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-classic-models-84/
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-classic-models-84/